- By Dsp Kwesi Ofori, Deputy Director Police Public Affairs Directorate
The Ghana Police Service is an institution charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the country. Among other functions, it is also charged with the responsibility of prevention and detection of crime, protection of life and property, apprehension and prosecution of offenders. The Police also investigate criminal cases and enforce all laws in the country. Recently, there are some public allegations of some individuals of the service involved in abuses, bribery and corruption which go to dent the image of the Service. The Police Administration has been very particular about such allegations and makes sure that these are investigated and dealt with to ensure that the image of the Service is not smeared.
Notwithstanding the recent allegation of cocaine scandal, the Police administration is doing everything possible to ensure that it sticks to its legitimate mandate to protect life and property and enforce all other laws to ensure that people live in peace and dignity.
To enable the Police to achieve its statutory obligations and mandate, there is the need for greater collaboration between the Police and the Public. Without co-operation nothing meaningful can be achieved. Instances abound where Police-Public co-operation has resulted in solving very complex and intricate crimes.
It would interest the public to know that some individuals in the public provided the key to the solution of some of the most complex crime the Police have solved.
Indeed, until we form the habit of deepening collaboration with the Police and reporting criminals who live in our midst, there is no way we would be able to surmount the crime conundrum plaguing our society. The Police therefore encourage communities to join the campaign for the formation of neighborhood watch committees that are aimed at putting up crime prevention programmes to ensure peace and security.
It is in this light that the Police have been calling on the public to help in curbing crime in our society. The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. P.K. Acheampong’s recent call on District Assemblies and community leaders to co-operate with the Police to reduce crime is captured in the same light. Co-operation from all community stakeholders would help the Police and the public, forge greater collaboration, develop partnership and above all build trust and confidence in the Police.
Such positive gain would also give the public a better understanding of the operations and activities of the security agencies and institutions in the criminal justice system and ultimately ensure peace and security in the country.
